Explore Top 9 Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand In 2026

Uttarakhand is a holy land, where some of the deities had spent the best time of their lives. This Himalayan state is so beautiful that even the creator of the universe lived here. In addition to natural beauty and pilgrimage, Uttarakhand is also known for the huge number of adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, zorbing, ziplining, and many more that it hosts. This is an ideal condition to visit for people of all age groups, whether you are a youngster, a kid, or a person of old age. If you are on this page, it shows that you must be planning to visit Uttarakhand in the near future, so Manchala Mushafir presents you with a comprehensive list of the top 9 places to visit in Uttarakhand that should be on your bucket list. So, what are you waiting for? Let's discuss some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand and plan an aware and interesting trip for you.

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath, one of the most visited temples in Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level in the lap of the Himalaya, surrounded by snow-capped mountains on three sides and a deep valley in front of the temple. This temple remains open just for six months in a year, from May to October and remains inaccessible for devotees in other months, making it one of the top places to visit in Uttarakhand in 2025. You can reach here either by trekking, mules, palki or helicopter. For more details about ponies, palkis, and mules' rates at Kedarnath, you can refer to this blog. For Kedarnath helicopter booking, you can visit heliyatra. irctc.Check our website or read our blog on it. This temple is also a part of Panch Kedar, 12 Jyotirlingas of India, Do Dham Yatra, Char Dham Yatra, and many more. Every year, millions of devotees visit this place to take blessings of Lord Shiva and admire the beauty all around the temple, making it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. In addition to the Kedarnath temple, you can also visit the Bhairav Nath temple, Retas kund, Vasuki tal, Gaurikund, or Triyuginarayan temple.

Triyuginarayan Temple

You must be excited to know that Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married in Uttarakhand. Yes, you heard right, and the most exciting thing is that this location is also very close to Kedarnath Temple and is the only living witness of the deities' marriage and is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand with family. It is well known as the Triyuginarayan temple, and it got its name as it has been standing here and telling the story of lord shiva and Maa Parvati's marriage for three yugas. The marriage place of lord shiva and Maa Parvati is also known as the Akhand Dhuni temple due to the perpetual fire in the compound of the temple, which is believed to have been alive since the marriage of Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level, the Triyuginarayan temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In addition to being a pilgrimage spot, this temple is also known for its natural beauty. This temple is gaining popularity as a wedding destination, and celebrities are getting married here. You can make a casual visit to this place, get married at this place at no cost, or even get it customised as per your requirements.

Rishikesh

Nested in the foothills of the Himalaya in Northern India and well known as the Yog Nagri and adventure hub of India, Rishikesh is the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. It houses numerous yoga and meditation centres, adventure spots and ashrams out of which Betel's ashram is the most prominent and has kept Rishikesh on the world map as the yoga capital. This is one of the oldest cities and is known for saints meditating around in the search for knowledge. Some of the most famous places to visit in Rishikesh are Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and Trayambakeshwar Temple. In addition to the pilgrimage, you can also enjoy some adventure activities. Some of the most prominent adventure activities here are bungee jumping, river rafting, camping, trekking, etc.

Chopta and Tungnath Temple

Well known as the Switzerland of India, Chopta is one of the most famous holiday destinations. During the winter season, this region gets completely covered by snow, making it nothing less than heaven. In addition to Chopta, you can also visit Tungnath Temple, which is located at a distance of 4 km from Chopta. But there is no road connectivity to this temple, and trekking is the only way to get here. Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar (others are Kedarnath, Rudranath, Mahdhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar), the forelegs of Lord Shiva in the form of a bull that appeared in this place and is being worshipped as a Shiv linga. This temple is also credited as one of the highest Shiva temples on earth. 1km ahead of the Tungnath temple is a Chandrashila, or moon rock. As per the holy scriptures, it is said that Lord Rama meditated here to please Lord Shiva and relieve him from the sin of Brahma Hatya (killing Ravana). In addition to its spiritual importance, this place is also famous for trekking and known as the Chopta Tungnath trek and offers other recreational activities like bird watching, camping, etc. This is also one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. You can make your plan to visit here with your family or friends.

Nainital

One of the lake cities nestled in the Himalayan ranges, Nainital is one of the most beautiful and the best place to visit in Uttarakhand for couples and adventure seekers. This beautiful city is also known as "Lake City" and is surrounded by Sapt springs (seven natural fountains) that feed these lakes. Boating, camping, trekking, paragliding, and zip-lining are some of the activities that are very popular in this area. Nowadays, Nainital offers everything a holiday destination should have. Mall Road, luxury resorts, delicious street foods, and fancy restaurants—everything can be found in this region. Whether you are a lovely couple or just a solo explorer, Nainital is best for all your needs and will stand bold to all your expectations.

Jim Corbett National Park

Another famous place to visit in Uttarakhand is Jim Corbett National Park. This is the largest tiger reserve in India. It is also honoured as the first place where Project Tiger was first launched. This beautiful tiger reserve is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is spread over more than 520 square kilometres. As per a recent report, this national park is home to more than 266 tigers in the state. In addition to tigers, it houses 50 species of other mammals, 580 bird species, and more than 25 reptiles. It has around 6 zones that offer wildlife safaris, elephant rides, resort booking, bird watching, etc. It's always exciting to see animals in their natural habitat.

Auli

Nestled in the Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level and surrounded by oak and coniferous trees, Auli is the Ski capital of India and one of the most famous places in Uttarakhand. It is well known for skiing and other winter sports, and also hosts many snow adventure events. In addition to winter sports, this place is also known for the wonderful view of some of the highest peaks, like Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks, which can be seen from this place. It also serves as the gateway for the Nanda Devi, Kuari Pass Trek and Valley of Flowers National Park. It's growing as one of the best tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, and every year, lakhs of tourists visit this place to enjoy their time. If you are an adventure enthusiast and wish to experience winter sports, then the best time to visit this place is from January to March, but for normal tourists, the best time to visit this place is from October to December, as the weather remains pleasant during this time.

Valley of Flowers

You must have seen many rivers and valleys, but have you ever seen a river of flowers? It’s a top most famous place in Uttarakhand. Yes, you heard right. If you are a nature lover or have a special attraction towards flowers, then the Valley of Flowers is certainly the best place to visit in Uttarakhand for you. It is a place where you will feel like a river is full of flowers. It is named the Valley of Flowers and has more than 520 species of unique flowers found only in this region. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. These days, it is being promoted as a trekking destination. In addition to the Valley of Flowers, you can also visit Hemkund Sahib, which is located at a distance of 6 km from the Valley of Flowers. It is considered to be one of the highest gurdwaras and the seat of the 10th guru, Guru Govind Singh of the Sikhs. This region is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is about 303 km away from the state capital, Dehradun. The best time to visit this place is from June to August, as the flowers are in their best form at this time. The rest of the year, the Valley of Flowers remains inaccessible due to heavy snowfall in this region.

Badrinath Temple

Last but not least, the most amazing and world-famous place to visit in Uttarakhand is Badrinath Temple, which is also known as the Temple of Satyuga. It is the only temple that is common, both for the main char dham yatra, which consists of Rameshwaram, Dwarka, Puri, and Badrinath, and the Chota char dham yatra, which consists of visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath temples. It is also a part of the Do Dham Yatra, which consists of visits to the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. There is one famous saying about Badrinath temple: "जो जाए बद्री वो ना आए ऊदरी," which means that those who visit Badrinath temple get relieved from rebirth. Badrinath Temple is also considered the gateway to heaven. As per the holy scriptures, it is said that this is the temple where the Pandavas visited last before going to heaven. Badrinath temple's architecture is similar to that of Buddhist monasteries, and as per the legend, it is said that during the regime of Ashoka, this region had turned into a Buddhist majority place, and they had turned the Badrinath temples into monasteries. But during the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya visited this place, and with the help of the local king, he re-established this temple as a Hindu shrine.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand is a place that feels like it’s straight out of a dream. Whether you're standing before the ancient temples that whisper stories of gods and legends, or marvelling at the snow-capped peaks and serene lakes, there’s a sense of magic in every corner. This state is the combination of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, and each destination—from the spiritual serenity of Kedarnath and Badrinath to the adventure-filled trails of Rishikesh and Auli, and the peaceful charm of Nainital and the Valley of Flowers—has its special charm that stays with you long after you’ve left.

This land truly has something for everyone: peace seekers, thrill lovers, families, and solo travellers. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, find moments of stillness, and experience a slice of India’s rich heritage. Uttarakhand isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience that touches your heart and soul. So, whenever you’re ready for a journey that blends adventure with tranquillity, and beauty with spirituality, know that Uttarakhand is waiting with open arms. Pack your bags and come discover the wonders of Dev Bhoomi—the journey of a lifetime awaits you!

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Faqs guide on the Top Nine Places to visit in Uttarakhand

What’s the best time to visit Uttarakhand?

The ideal time to visit Uttarakhand really depends on what you’d like to do. If you’re into trekking or adventure activities, the summer months (April to June) are great. For snow sports in spots like Auli, winter (December to February) is perfect. For visiting pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath and Badrinath, plan your trip between May and October, when the routes are open.

Are there any special requirements for visiting Kedarnath Temple?

Yes, Kedarnath Temple is only open from May to October because of heavy snowfall in the off-season. You can reach it by trekking or using mules, palkis, or helicopters. It’s a good idea to register online for a smoother pilgrimage experience, and you can book helicopter tickets through the official IRCTC website.

How can I reach the Valley of Flowers?

The Valley of Flowers is in the Chamoli district. Most people travel by road to Govindghat and then trek about 16 km to reach it. The best time to visit is between June and August, when the flowers are in full bloom, and the valley looks incredible.

Is Uttarakhand safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Uttarakhand is generally a safe place for solo travellers, with plenty of scenic spots and pilgrimage sites that attract visitors from all over. Just keep an eye on local guidelines, check the weather, and take the usual travel precautions.

What adventure activities are available in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand is an adventure-lover’s dream! You can enjoy trekking, river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, paragliding, skiing, ziplining, and rock climbing. Rishikesh is especially popular for river rafting and bungee jumping, while Auli is a favourite for skiing in winter.

Can I visit both Kedarnath and Badrinath in one trip?

Yes, many people combine visits to Kedarnath and Badrinath in a single journey called the Do Dham Yatra. It’s best to do this trip between May and October when both temples are open and accessible.

Are there specific dress codes for visiting temples in Uttarakhand?

Yes, modest dressing is expected at temples in Uttarakhand. Traditional or simple attire is recommended to show respect, so it’s best to avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

Is Auli a good destination for a family vacation?

Absolutely! Auli is a beautiful, family-friendly destination known for skiing, stunning views, and a peaceful atmosphere. Families can enjoy snow activities in winter, and in summer, there’s lovely sightseeing and light adventure activities.

Do I need a guide for trekking in Uttarakhand?

While some trails in Uttarakhand are well-marked, it’s helpful to have a guide, especially for challenging treks like the Valley of Flowers or Kedarnath. A guide can share local insights, keep you safe, and help you navigate tricky sections of the trail.

What’s the accommodation like in popular Places to visit in Uttarakhand?

In popular Places to visit in Uttarakhand, like Nainital, Rishikesh, and Jim Corbett, you’ll find a range of accommodations from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. It’s a good idea to book your stay in advance, especially during the busy seasons.